Paintball gun with sound effects

ABSTRACT

A paintball gun is made with a control circuit controlling the operation of the gun. The control circuit is provided substantially as a circuit board installed through an opening of the gun housing. The circuit board performs some novel functions including storing and replaying sound clips from stored digital files, The sound clips could include instructions to the user, music, audible indications of various operations and/or parameters related to the operation of the paintball gun, and so on.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The subject matter in this application is related to the followingco-pending Applications:

U.S. application Ser. No. ______ filed ______ and entitled AN IMPROVEDPAINTBALL GUN WITH CONTROL SWITCHES ON THE GRIP;U.S. application Ser. No. ______ filed ______ and entitled AN IMPROVEDPAINTBALL GUN WITH PAINTBALL MONITORING; andU.S. application Ser. No. ______ filed ______ and entitled AN IMPROVEDPAINTBALL GUN WITH A FLEXIBLE PC BOARD; all incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention pertains to a paintball gun with several new features toimprove its ease of use and performance, including means for reproducingvarious new sound effects.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Paintball is an exciting game which simulates actual warfare andinvolves players firing paintballs quickly and accurately upon eachothers using paintball guns or markers. A typical paintball gun includesa body including a handle, a tank holding a compressed gas (typicallyair or CO₂) and a barrel receiving paintballs from a hopper. Activationof a trigger on the handle causes compressed gas from the tank to propelpaintballs through a barrel. Initially, paintball was played withpaintball guns or markers that were purely mechanically-operated.

The introduction of electronics into paintball guns has revolutionizedthe paintball gun and has completely changed the way the game ofpaintbail is played. Electronics have allowed paintball guns to be morethan simple mechanical guns. Guns now have electronic circuit boardswith computer chips controlling the functions of the gun and providingthe paintball player options that were not available with a traditionalmechanical gun. However many other features can be providedelectronically to improve a gun's functionality and modes of operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention pertains to a paintball gunthat provides selective generation of a large variety of sound effectselectronically, including optionally playing music. For this purpose anelectronic control circuit is provided that includes a microprocessorcontrolling the operation of the gun, a memory holding digital filesdefining characteristics of various sound effects, and an audio devicethat selectively receives and converts electrical signals correspondingto the digital files and generates corresponding sounds.

Additional elements may be included that provide visual and/or tactileinformation to a user, as well as a counter for determining how manypaintballs a magazine mounted on the gun still contains.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the control circuit of a known paintballgun;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration representative of the right side ofan electronic paintball gun constructed in accordance with thisinvention;

FIG. 3 shows the left side of the gun of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A shows a block diagram of the electronic circuitry used to in thegun of FIGS. 2 and 3A-C;

FIG. 4B shows a partial sectional view of the gun of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4C shows a partial sectional view of a gun having an alternateembodiment;

FIG. 5 shows a flow chart of the operation of the gun of FIGS. 2-4; and

FIG. 6 shows a flow chart of several alternate modes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various preferred aspects and embodiments of the present invention willnow be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures.It should be noted, however, that the following description is providedby way of example only and not of limitation, and that many otherimplementations and embodiments of the present invention will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art based on the disclosure herein. Thescope of the invention should therefore not be limited to the particularembodiments described herein.

In FIGS. 2 and 3 a paintball gun is portrayed somewhat diagrammaticallyin order to illustrate its operation and the various improvementsprovided by the present invention. A paintball gun 10 includes a body11, with a barrel 12 and a handle 14. The body 11 is attached bystandard tubes to a source of compressed gas. The source and the tubinghave been omitted for the sake of simplicity. Alternatively, thecompressed air source may be built into the handle 14 and replacedthrough a small hinged door (not shown) formed therein.

The barrel 12 consists of a tube mounted on the body 11 and isselectively connected to the air tank by valves (not shown) and a pipe16. Attached to the body 11 (or the tube 12) is a magazine 19 containingpaintballs (not shown). Although the magazine 19 is shown mounted righton top of the body 11 for the sake of simplicity, in most configuration,the paintballs are fed into the barrel 12 from a closed paintball holderthrough a hopper. The gun 10 is also provided with a trigger 20protected by a guard 22. A user aims the gun 10 at a target and pullsthe trigger 20. This action causes the valves and other mechanismswithin the body 11 to feed paint balls from the magazine 19 to be loadedinto the tube and then ejected at a high speed through the barrel 12.The gun 10 can be normally operated in various modes, such as a manualmode in, a semi-automatic mode, an automatic mode in which as long asthe trigger is depressed, the balls are ejected continuously as well asother modes.

The handle 14 is formed with two removable panels 24A, 24B.Alternatively, the front portion of the handle is removable and the twopanels 24A, 24B can be connected to form a single U-shaped assembly. Thepanels 24A, 24B are removable to allow access to the interior of thehandle 14. This interior is used to hold a source of power (e.g., abattery), an electronic circuit board, and other accessories.

As shown in FIG. 1, a typical circuit board 30 includes a microprocessor32 that receives an input from a manual switch 34 on the handle 14, atrigger sensor 36 and a state counter 42. The microprocessor 32 alsogenerates control signals to an interface 38 that controls the airvalves and other equipment used to expel the balls from the barrel 12.The microprocessor 32 also activates an audio device 40 to providevarious indications to a user. Typically, when a gun 10 is first turnedon, the state counter 42 is activated. The state counter can haveseveral states, each one defining a different mode of operation for thegun, as defined by certain preselected parameters. Each of these modesis defined in the written documentation for the user. The differentmodes may provide various rates of firing, the number of paintballsfired in each round, etc. The user has a choice of selecting one ofthese modes by activating the trigger 20 and/or manual switch 34 on thehandle. Each time the user activates these elements, the state counter42 advances to a next mode. Preferably, the microprocessor 32 causes asound, e.g., a beep to be generated by the audio device 40 to provide averification means of the mode selected by the user.

The gun 10 and operation described so far and its mode of operation isfairly generic to all paintball guns.

In the present invention several improvements are provided to thestructure of the gun and its modes of operation. Preferably, theseimprovements are implemented by changing the circuit board 30 in anexisting gun and, optionally, changing the panel(s) 24A, 24B on thehandle 14. Of course, all or some of the improvements may be implementedby elements disposed in other portions of the gun body 11.

FIG. 4A shows a schematic block diagram of a circuit board 100 for thepaintball gun of FIGS. 2 and 3. Referring to these figures, the board100 includes a microprocessor 102 controlling essentially all thefunctions of the gun 10 as described above, unless otherwise noted. Themicroprocessor 102 receives inputs from a manual switch 104 on thehandle 14, as well as the trigger switch 106 and a state counter 112.The state counter 112 (as well as state counter 42 in FIG. 1) ispreferably implemented by software within the microprocessor 102 (or 32)but is shown as a separate element for the sake of clarity. The board100 contains several additional elements which shall now be described.Preferably, sounds are generated in the present invention not by abuzzer but by an audio device 115. This audio device 115 may be providedon the board 100 or may be mounted on one of the panels 24A, 24B. Theboard 100 is further provided with a memory 120 that is connected to themicroprocessor 102 and an audio device driver 110. The memory 120 may beused to store various data and other information required for theoperation of the gun 10, however, for the purposes of this invention,its main purpose is to store files defining various preselected soundsassociated with the operation of the gun 10. Preferably, at least someof the operations of the gun are associated with a corresponding file.

In operation, the paintball user turns on the gun 10 using the switch104. As described previously, when the gun is first turned on, aninitialization period may be used to set or selected various parametersof the gun, each set corresponding to a mode. The user selects each modeby pushing on the switch 104 or actuating the trigger 20. Theseactuations cause the state counter 112 to step through the modes of thegun. As each mode is selected, the microprocessor 102 selects anappropriate file from memory 120 and sends it to the audio driver 110.This latter element then causes the audio device 115 to emit acorresponding sound. In one embodiment of the invention, the device 115is a buzzer. In this case, the driver causes several different types ofsounds to be generated by the buzzer corresponding to an appropriateaction. In another embodiment of the invention, the files received bydriver 110 are digital files, and the driver includes a D/A converterthat converts these digital files into actual sounds replayed by speaker113. These sounds may range from relatively simple beeps to an actual orsynthesized voice announcing modes, e.g., “MODE ONE”, “MODE TWO,” etc.Alternatively, the different modes can be given names which are thenpronounced when the appropriate mode is selected.

Once the user completes his selection, the selected mode is stored andused each time the gun is turned on until another mode is selected. Theuser may select through the mode using the trigger 20 or the switch 104.In an alternate embodiment, two switches similar to 104 are used, one toincrement the modes (1, 2, 3, . . . ) and the other to decrement themodes (4, 3, 2, . . . ).

In this manner, the electronic circuit board 102 acts as the centralcontrolling agent, linking the various features of the paintball gun andassuring that it operates correctly. In addition, various new modes ofoperations are described below.

The speaker 113 may be used to generate many other audio signals aswell. For example, various audio signals may be stored in RAM 120 oranother similar device and then, on command from the microprocessor 102,they can be downloaded and played by the speaker 113. Examples of suchaudio signals may include instructions on how to use the gun, or how toplay a game. Other signals may include music and other sound effects.These signals may be stored as voice clips in an MPEG format or anyother suitable format. In addition, or instead of playing these voiceclips may be transmitted to a user's ear phone via a wired earphoneoutput tack) 116, through the USB port 130 or a wireless connector(which may be, for example, a Bluetooth connector) 131.

In one embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4B, the PC board 102 isdisposed below the removable panel 24B. One or more control switchesused to operate the device, such as switch 34 are implemented as amicroswitches disposed on the board 102. For example, the board 102 maybe provided with a momentary microswitch 103 that is activated bydepressing it. In addition, at a least a portion of panel 24B, such asportion 104 is flexible so when pressed with a finger, it flexesinwardly as shown at 104A. The portion 104 and switch 103 are sized andpositioned so that when the portion 104 is flexed inward, it activatesmicroswitch 103. Several such microswitches can be provided as need. Ofcourse, instead of a flexing portion, the removable panel 24 can beformed with a button that can be depressed to activate the microswitch103.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 4C, panel 24C is formed with awindow 25. The PCB 102A is connected to one end of a flexible PC board107. The other end of the flexible PC board (FPC) 107 is mounted to theunderside of panel 24C as shown, and has one or more electronic elementsmounted thereon. These elements may include switch 104, tactileresonator 118, display 132, etc. The elements are then available throughthe window 25 so that they present information to the user and/or areactuated by the user as described. The electronic elements are connectedby conductors of FPC 107 (not shown) to other elements of the board102C.

While the gun is in operation at least some of its functions areaccompanied by sound effects emitted by audio device 115. This featureis illustrated in the flow chart of FIG. 5. In step 200 themicroprocessor performs a predetermined activity (these activities areof course commanded by the microprocessor's software.). Next, in step202, a look-up table of other similar means is used to determine whatsound effect (if any) is desirable for the corresponding activity. Thesesound effects can be selected by the user, can be preset as part of theinitiation period, and maybe in fact one of the selected parameters, orcan be set by other means. In any event, the corresponding digital fileis then obtained from memory 120. In step 204 the digital file is sentto the audio converter 110 which then causes the audio device 115 toplay a corresponding sound clip in step 206. For example, one sound clipmay be played each time the trigger 20 is pulled. A different sound clipis played as the gun continues to shoot. Additionally, the board may beused to play various theme songs at will. During a match, differentteams may have their guns set to play different theme songs. The number,length and complexity of the songs depend on the size of memory 120 andthe compressions schemes used for the songs.

Various other features may be provided on the board 100 as well. Forexample, the memory 120 can be removable with different songs and otherdigital files of sound clips being provided on different memoryhardware. Alternatively, the board may be provided with a standardconnector such as USB port 130 or other standard means of connecting theboard 100 to a PC or other digital equipment. In a preferred embodiment,of the invention, the board 100 is connected by the connector 130 to aPC (not shown). A user, retailer or service center then contacts themanufacturer of the board or other service center and downloads to themicroprocessor sound clips and any firmware updates as necessary.

Another feature of the invention is a digital screen or display 132 thatmay be a screen for displaying alphanumeric characters and/or otherimages. The screen can be an LCD screen, or other similar screen (e.g.an OL screen). As seen in FIG. 2, the screen is preferably incorporatedor mounted on one of the panels, e.g. panel 24A. The screen may be usedto provide instructions to the user and to show other information suchas the mode being selected, a current time, etc. Preferably the display132 is a color display or screen.

Instead of, or in addition to the screen 132, the gun 100 may beprovided with an LED or other visual indicator 114. The indicator 114and the screen 132 are driven by the microprocessor 102. The indicator114 can be on all the time to show that the gun is on, or part of thetime to provide various messages in conjunction with or separately fromthe audio device 115.

Normally gun 100 is used in a loud, noise environment and may be noisyitself. In addition, the users must wear helmets which may mask anysounds produced by the audio device 115. Therefore, in one embodiment,the gun 100 can be provided with a standard audio jack 116 driven by theaudio device driver 110. An audio device 115 or earphone (not shown) canthen be worn by the user that is connected to the gun 100 via the jack116 to allow the user to hear any sound clips better.

In another embodiment, the gun 100 is also provided with a tactile pad118. Pad 118 is preferably mounted on one of the panels, as shown inFIG. 3 and it is driven by the microprocessor 102. The pad 118 producesvibrations that are felt by the user as he holds the gun 10 and is usedto provide the user with various indications in conjunction with or inaddition to the audio signals provided by the audio device 115, or jack116 or the visual indications provided by the screen 132 or indicator114 (step 208 in FIG. 5).

One on-going problem with the paintball guns is that it is difficult todetermine when they run out of the paintballs. This problem is resolvedin the present invention by providing a paintball counter 134. Thepaintballs are fed into the gun responsive to control signals from themicroprocessor 102. In the present invention, the counter 134 alsoreceives these signals. The gun 10 uses either standard magazines 19, orthe number of paintballs in the magazine is provided to themicroprocessor and the counter 134 as part of the initializationprocess. Then, the counter 134 monitors the number of paintballs thathave been ejected. When a certain number of such balls have beenejected, and hence when a threshold number of balls remain in themagazine the counter then produces an alarm indicating that either thatthe magazine has X number of balls left, or that it is empty. In step208 an indication is then generated to the user via the audio device115, jack 116, screen 132, pad 118 and/or indicator 114. Thus, the useris notified that he has to either quit soon or get a new magazine ofpaintballs in place.

As disclosed above, a paintball gun may have several modes of operation.During initiation, a user can be given the choice of selecting any ofone of several modes. Some of the modes are discussed above. Other modesinclude a standard shooting mode, a demo mode in which various functionsof the gun can be demonstrated, a drill mode, in which the user canpractice or drill various operations, etc. These modes are shown in theflow chart of FIG. 6.

In summary, a paintball gun is disclosed with several importantimprovements. One improvement such improvement is that the gun can storeand play several sound clips using MP3 or other formats. These clips canprovide music, voice instructions, control indications and conformationsand many other sound effects. The sounds are actually heard either on aspeaker built into the gun or through an external speaker or earphonecommunicating via a wired or wireless channel with the gun.

A further improvement is the provision of one or more buttons built intothe handle or grip of the gun. The buttons are used to provide variousfunctions for the gun, such as selecting a mode of operation, e.g., adrill mode, a learning mode, a standard shoot mode; to select varioussound clips, etc.

Another improvement pertains to a handle or grip formed with a windowand a flexible printed circuit board having an electronic elementaccessible through the window and extending to the regular printedcircuit board. The electronic element could be an LED or a displayproviding operational information to the user, could be tactileresonator, or a switch.

Yet another improvement pertains to a reload warning or indicator. Thisimprovement is implemented by providing a counter that monitors andcounts the number of paintballs that have been fired. Based on thisinformation, a visual, tactile, or audible signal is generated to warnthe user when this number exceeds a certain limit, and that he will runout of paintballs soon.

Numerous other modifications and variations to the foregoing embodimentsare possible and will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Forexample, ear phones and/or other devices can be connected to themicroprocessor not only through an audio connector, but via otherconnection means as well including, e.g. a USB connector. The appendedclaims should therefore be interpreted to cover all such modificationsand variations.

1. A paintball gun comprising: a body with a barrel selectively ejectingpaintballs and a handle; an electronic circuit disposed in the body andconfigured to control the paintball ejection in response to commands,said electronic circuit including a memory storing files correspondingto sounds, an audio device driver receiving said files in the presenceof an event and an audio device receiving analog signals correspondingto said files and generating corresponding sound signals.
 2. Thepaintball gun of claim 1 wherein said electronic circuit operates in oneof several modes, further comprising a selection member for selectingsaid mode.
 3. The paintball gun of claim 2 wherein said electroniccircuit is adapted to select a sound clip indicative of a selected modeof operation.
 4. The paintball gun of claim 1 wherein said body isformed with a removable panel, and said electronic circuit is formed ona circuit board that is replaceable through said panel.
 5. The paintballgun of claim 4 further comprising a visual indicator mounted on saidpanel and driven by said circuit board.
 6. The paintball gun of claim 5wherein said visual indicator is selected from a group consisting of adisplay screen selectively showing alphanumeric characters and anelement including an indicating lamp that is selectively activated fromsaid circuit.
 7. The paintball gun of claim 1 wherein said audio deviceis a speaker.
 8. The paintball gun of claim 1 wherein said audio deviceis an earphone.
 9. The paintball gun of claim 8 wherein said earphone iswired to the electronic circuit.
 10. The paintball gun of claim 1wherein said audio device is remote from the gun further comprising awireless connection connecting the electronic circuit to the audiodevice.
 11. A paintball gun comprising: a body with a barrel forselectively ejecting paintballs using compressed gas; a control circuitincluding: a processor receiving commands and generating controlsignals; valves responsive to control signals and controlling gas flowto the barrel; a memory storing digital files corresponding to soundclips; an audio device driver receiving a digital file from said memoryin the presence of predetermined event; an audio device generatingsounds corresponding to said digital file; and a first connectorselectively receiving external signals from a remote location andtransmitting said external signals to said processor, said externalsignals including digital files for said memory.
 12. The paintball gunof claim 7 wherein said memory stores a plurality of digital files,further comprising a selector used to select at least one of saiddigital files to be paid by said audio device.
 13. The paintball gun ofclaim 11 wherein said audio device is external of said gun furthercomprising a second connector for transmitting audio signals to saidaudio device.
 14. The paintball gun of claim 13 wherein said secondconnector is a wired connector.
 15. The paintball gun of claim 13wherein said second connector is a wireless connector. 16-20. (canceled)21. The paintball gun of claim 11 further comprising an audio outputcircuit generating audio indications to a user about the operation ofthe control circuit.
 22. The paintball gun of claim 21 wherein saidaudio output circuit includes a buzzer.
 23. The paintball gun of claimwherein said audio output circuit includes a speaker generating audioclips in response to audio files from a memory.
 24. The paintball gun ofclaim 11 wherein said control circuit includes at least a demo mode inwhich various operational characteristics of the gun are demonstratedand a drill mode in which the user can exercise various functions of thegun.